There’s only so much we can do to maintain youthful skin with the products we choose. However, sun exposure, gravity, and daily stressors can lead to premature aging, manifesting as fine lines, wrinkles, and, eventually, permanent creases and folds on the face. This can make you look older than you feel and impact your self-confidence. If you’re considering a facelift, it’s normal to wonder if you’re the right age to be doing so. The short answer is, there is no “right” age for a facelift. Here’s what to know about this procedure and whether you might be a good candidate.
Who is A Good Candidate for a Facelift?
The “best” age for a facelift will be different for every patient because everyone ages at different rates and because of different factors. While the best facelift results are often seen in people in their mid-40s, the optimal age to get a facelift varies depending on your circumstances. Generally, individuals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are considered the best candidates for facelift surgery.
You can generally judge whether a facelift can help by assessing your facial concerns with the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon. If you have moderate to severe skin laxity, you can likely benefit from a facelift. If you only have mild to moderate signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, you may be a better candidate for non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Good candidates for a facelift typically have the following concerns:
- Wrinkles underneath the eyes
- Deep lines around the nose and mouth
- Loss of jawline definition resulting in jowls
- Excess fat deposits and sagging skin in the neck
Additionally, some facelift candidates have already tried non-surgical treatments but no longer achieve the anti-aging results they’re hoping for. In this case, the facelift is typically the appropriate next step in treatment.
Types of Facelift
At Bohley Cosmetic Surgery, a personalized consultation is the first step toward determining the ideal facelift option. During the consultation, Dr. Michael Bohley will thoroughly evaluate your face and concerns to determine the best facelift surgery approach. You’ll thoroughly discuss your goals and preferences to develop a personalized treatment plan using our best surgical options. There are a few different types of facelifts and Dr. Bohley can help you select the appropriate one for your goals.
Traditional Facelift
Also known as a full facelift, this comprehensive facelift surgery technique addresses both the midface and neck regions. The procedure involves removing and resculpting excess skin and fat in the mid and lower face to restore a youthful and rejuvenated appearance. It uses incisions placed around the ears and into the natural hairline so they are not visible after recovery.
Mini Facelift
This procedure is a more minimal approach to facial rejuvenation, targeting specific areas of the mid and lower face. It’s sometimes called a short scar facelift because its incisions are much smaller than a traditional facelift. The mini facelift may be appropriate for patients in their 40s and 50s who aren’t yet ready for a traditional facelift.
Neck Lift
Although technically its own procedure, the neck lift is a common addition to the facelift. The neck lift uses incisions under the chin and around the jawline to tighten and sculpt the neck to remove sagging skin and fat. The neck lift can also be performed on its own for patients who have sagging in the neck but not in the face.
Other Procedures to Add to a Facelift
The facelift can easily be combined with the neck lift and other facial cosmetic surgeries. Some of the most common include the brow lift to address sagging and heaviness in the upper face or eyelid surgery to lift and rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelids. Some patients also opt for non-surgical treatments to enhance and maintain their facelift results like Botox, dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing.
Schedule an Appointment
The facelift is the most effective way to rejuvenate your appearance and remove years of aging from your facial profile. To meet with Dr. Bohley and learn more about your facial rejuvenation options, contact our Portland, OR office by calling or filling out our online form.
